Thailand has identified opportunities to strengthen cultural cooperation with Nigeria and other African countries through artistic exchanges, youth programmes, cultural festivals and creative industry partnerships.
Ms Kittiporn Chaiboon, Acting Director of the Cultural Education Institution at Thailand’s Department of Cultural Promotion, said the partnerships could promote mutual understanding and strengthen diplomatic relations.
Speaking in Bangkok on Sunday, Chaiboon said collaboration could include joint performances, artist exchanges, academic partnerships, culinary events and digital platforms for sharing music, visual arts and traditional knowledge.
She said Thailand and African countries could also exchange experiences in cultural entrepreneurship, tourism, heritage preservation and digital content development.
On cultural preservation, Chaiboon identified respect for elders, compassion, hospitality, social harmony and community solidarity as important Thai values. She said the government supported traditional artists, documented local knowledge and integrated cultural heritage into education, tourism and the creative economy.
However, she identified globalisation, changing lifestyles and declining interest in traditional crafts among young people as major challenges. She said youth programmes, social media, digital storytelling and modern product design could help preserve cultural traditions while creating jobs and business opportunities.
Chaiboon added that cultural industries, including crafts, textiles, cuisine, music, film, performing arts and community-based tourism, could improve livelihoods, particularly in rural areas. She called for investment in skills development, digital marketing and business training, with local communities involved in decisions about their cultural resources.
“Thailand remains committed to strengthening cultural partnerships with Nigeria and other African countries.
“By doing so we can foster mutual understanding, strengthen friendships and contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful global community.”
